Tuesday Tomes: Fortunately

 Books, Events, Local  No Responses »
May 152012
 

Ever have one of those days where it just seems like every time something starts to go right it ends up going wrong?  You know the type of day, you wear your favorite sweater for extra confidence, but you spill tea down the front of it, which comes out with a little scrubbing in the bathroom sink, but when you go to leave you accidentally drop your keys into the bathroom trash can… and the whole day seems like it’ll just keep going like that.  Well, this is an excellent book to remind you that “fortunately” things usually find a way of working out for the best.  Thanks to Zena for sharing this review!

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Fortunately by Remy Charlip, Ages 3 - 7

Fortunately, by Remy Charlip, is a colorful book about opportunities and obstacles. “Fortunately one day, Ned got a letter that said, ‘Please come to a Surprise Party.’ But unfortunately the party was in Florida and he was in New York.” Throughout the book, we see how Ned’s problems are solved one by one. Even though some of the solutions create further trouble, a combination of fate and Ned’s talents should get him to the party in one piece! Fun for ages 3-7.

And, there’s still time to sign up for a Silhouette Portrait appointment!

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Have a sunny day!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 5:51 pm

Tuesday Tomes: Zeke Pippin

 Books  No Responses »
May 082012
 

Today we’ve got another William Steig title for all our readers ages 3-101.  The last few books we’ve featured were for the slightly older crowd, so here’s a book for the whole family – regardless of age!  Provided by Zena, here is a rather rollicking review!

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Zeke Pippin by William Steig, Ages 3-101

Included in this story is:

RUNNING AWAY
ROBBERS
RAFTS
FAMILY
MUSIC
DEATH-DEALING COYOTES
SUPERNATURAL POWERS
PERSEVERANCE
BAGELS WITH PEANUT BUTTER
…….And illustrations. A fun read for ages 3-101.

Thanks Zena!  Megan, our resident blog attendant is particularly interested in the death-dealing coyotes and bagels with peanut butter!  Who wouldn’t be intrigued by those?!

And, in case you haven’t heard…

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Hope you have an absolutely stunning day!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 4:34 pm

How to Celebrate Screen Free Week #2

 Books  No Responses »
May 012012
 

Hey there!

Today we have another Screen Free entertainment idea – Read a Book!  Here on the blog we post a new book review every Tuesday.  We cover everything from pictures books to chapter books to chewable books for babies.  To see older reviews, just click the “Books” link in the Categories box on the right side of the page.

And, now for all you readers out there, our very own Chrissy would like to suggest…

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Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl Caraway. A magical name, for a magical girl. She is a new girl at Mica High School in Phoenix, AZ. She stands out. She has a pet Rat that she carries with her wherever she goes. She wears funny clothes. Flapper dresses. Indian buckskin. Kimonos. She is the pinnacle of non-conformity. People don’t know whether to be attracted or repelled! What’s more.. She doesn’t care! She floats through the halls of Mica High as if on a cloud of serenity. She makes people cards.. gives them flowers.. whether they like it or not! She attracts the attention of a boy called Leo who is fascinated with her. Leo unlike Stargirl, does care what people think and meaning well, he encourages her to be more “normal.” What follows after is an inspiring story of what it means to be yourself.

Have an AWESOME day!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 10:13 pm

Tuesday Tomes: Dominic

 Books  No Responses »
Apr 242012
 

Hello!

Do you ever get that itch to brush off the dust of your sleepy little town and see the world?  Well, have we got a book for you!  Today Chrissy is sharing one her favorite chapter books with us!  And, it just so happens to be in stock!  Enjoy!

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Dominic by William Steig, Paperback $5.99

Dominic is a dog who longs for adventure, so one day he grabs his trusty piccolo and his collection of hats and sets out on the road. Along the way he meets all sorts of characters, who are affected and taken in by his kindness and good-naturedness. As a result and through no effort of his own he quickly comes into good fortune. All is not rosy for Dominic however, because along the way he is followed and pursued by various members of the Doomsday Gang, a group of wild animals who go around causing trouble and tormenting everyone. What will become of Dominic? You just have to read to find out! This book holds appeal for all ages and has a wonderful message!

Have an adventure-filled day!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 7:30 pm

Tuesday Tomes: The Animal Family

 Books  No Responses »
Apr 102012
 

Hello hello!

It’s Tuesday again!  And, around here that means it’s Tuesday Tomes – time for a book review!  Today’s review is by one of our resident book experts Chrissy.  After Megan read this review she had to start reading the book herself!

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The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell, Decoration by Maurice Sendak.

I want to live in this book! This is a serene and magical story that takes place in the woods. It begins when a hunter, who lives alone, brings a mermaid home to live with him. The mermaid in turn brings a bear and the bear brings a lynx and they all live together as a family in the woods. Written by poet Randall Jarrell, with decorations by Maurice Sendak, this book has a poetic cadence and would make a soothing bedtime book. It also has a lovely message that family isn’t always about blood but about the people you love!

That is an awesome message!

Have a day full of family and friends!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 10:22 am

Tuesday Tomes: Hunger Games

 Books  No Responses »
Apr 032012
 

Hello there!

Have you read The Hunger Games yet?  Zena, one of our wonderful employees, absolutely loved it.  She read the whole first book in one day, and loved it so much she read half the second book the next day!  According to her, “These are more addicting than Harry Potter.”  Check out her review below:

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Age 12+

The Hunger Games are annual fights to the death on live TV between 24 boys and girls from across the land. When her sister’s name is pulled, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place, becoming a contender in the games. While most consider participating as good as the death sentence, Katniss has a natural instinct for survival and is determined to see her sister again. Brilliantly paced and full of suspense, this book finds situations that must weigh humanity against survival and life against love.

Written by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is a thrilling read for ages 12+.

This is the first in a series, and a movie version just came out!

Have an awesome day!!!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 5:20 pm

Tuesday Tomes: Critter Books!

 Books  No Responses »
Mar 272012
 

Hey there!

Staying in our springtime/ Calico Critter/ Easter Celebration mood we have one of our favorite “critter” books to share!

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Stuart Little by E.B. White

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse! He was born of human parents and lives in New York City with his older brother George and Snowbell the cat. His best friend is a beautiful bird named Margalo. When Margalo goes missing from her nest, Stuart is determined to find her. He leaves home for the very first time and that is the start of his adventures!

Written by E.B. White and featuring sweet illustrations by Garth Williams, this book makes a spirited and comforting read-aloud or early chapter book for young readers.

Just reading the review makes us want to snuggle up and get reading!

Hope you have a day full of whimsy and snuggles!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 7:04 pm

Tuesday Tomes: Arrietty and the Borrowers

 Books, Toys  No Responses »
Mar 202012
 

Hey there!

Happy first day of spring!  The weather may have missed the “Let’s start springtime” memo, but you can still get some virtual flowers and springy cheeriness at Google’s homepage today.  Click here to see the cuteness we’re talking about.

Today’s book review comes from Zena, and focuses on one of her childhood favorites!

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The Borrowers by Mary Norton, Ages 9+

The Borrowers, by Mary Norton, is a beautiful tale about a family of tiny people who live under the floorboards of a grand house. They must “borrow” things from the humans in order to live; small things like thimbles, sugar cubes, and safety pins. Borrowing can be very dangerous and fourteen-year-old Arrietty has not yet been allowed to venture into the big house. When the time comes for her first borrowing with her father’s guidance, all goes well until the eyes of a human open right next to where they stand! A new human boy has moved into the house and has seen the little people. Usually this means the humans will be quick to hire the exterminator, but Arrietty has a feeling she can trust the boy. Are the Borrowers safe or will they have to find a new home?  Ages 9+

Also, the film The Secret World of Arrietty, based on this book, is still playing in a few local theaters.  See it on the big screen before it’s too late!

Check back in tomorrow for a run down of what’s new in the store!

Have a springy day!

-Child’s Play

 Posted by at 8:04 pm

Tuesday Tomes: Chester the Worldly Pig

 Books  No Responses »
Mar 132012
 
Hello out there!
Today Zena has an excellent book recommendation!
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Chester the Worldly Pig by Bill Peet, Ages 5+

Chester the Worldly Pig is an adventuresome tale about a pig who is determined to make something of himself out in the wide world. While still on the farm, Chester develops a talent for “nose stands” and decides to find a job in the circus. However, the circus isn’t quite what Chester is expecting and he must continue his quest to figure out where he belongs. Charmingly written and illustrated by Bill Peet, this story is great for reading aloud, ages 5 to adult.
And, for more amazing animals, and some that are just plain cute, check out The Fluffington Post.
Have a cheery day!
-Child’s Play
 Posted by at 7:26 pm
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